A luxury yacht is not a luxury yacht without a helicopter deck. Today, we gathered the top 5 helicopter decks in some of the most amazing luxury yachts that ever crossed the ocean. Have a look:
1. STELLA MARIS’ HELIDECK
Yacht designer Espen Øino re-imagined the typically utilitarian helicopter deck on VSY’s revolutionary 72 metre superyacht Stella Maris.
Øino envisioned a superyacht helipad that was a focal point. Rather than trying to disguise the helicopter deck, it defines the exterior profile on Stella Maris, jutting out on the upper aft deck. When not welcoming helicopters, the huge deck is put to good use a space for sunning and socialising.
2. ECLIPSE’S HELIPAD
As the second-largest yacht in the world, the 162.5 metre Blohm+VossEclipse has plenty of room for a helicopter to land. Here we see one touching down on the helideck on the superyacht’s bow. Eclipse’s helicopter tucks away in a hangar below the foredeck in a specially designed heli-garage.
3. NORTHERN STAR ‘S HELIDECK
Northern Star, with an exterior by Espen Øino, sees an aft upper deck superyacht helipad arrangement. Being helicopter-capable complements Northern Star’s other world-roaming assets, including an ice-classed hull and massive 7,000 nautical mile range.
4. AKULA’S HELIPAD
A converted 59 metre former Dutch Navy vessel, Akula, was designed specifically for her helicopter pilot owner, when a superyacht helicopter deck and helicopter hanger were added.
Akula’s helicopter was put to good use when the luxury charter yacht enjoyed extensive heli-cruising in the Canadian arctic region.
5. UMBRA’S HELIDECK
The Damen-built sea axe vessel Umbra gained a removable helicopter deck in a recent refit in 2014. The octagonal superyacht helipad can disappear when not in use and be deployed when needed.
Whether they are big and bold on the bow or blend seamlessly with the outdoor living spaces on the sun deck, it’s no surprise then that helicopter landing decks are one of the top 10 design features found on the world’s largest yachts.
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